Joruri-ji Temple, Nara

Joruri-ji Temple, in the hills near Nara, is the only existing Heian-era
Amida Hall with nine images of Amida representing the nine levels of
enlightenment.

Worshippers view the hondo
across a lake representing the Western Ocean.

Amida halls were built by Heian aristocrats in anticipation of
the Latter Day of the Law (mappo) which was believed to start
in 1052. In this "degenerate age" it was thought that the saving grace of
Amida was the only way to achieve a better rebirth - one's actions alone
were not enough. Other existing Amida Halls are Byodo-in and Hokai-ji in the Uji area.

Nine images of Amida.

Joruri-ji also contains a hidden carving of Kichijo-ten, an attractively plump goddess
whose image was often found in Heian-era temples, where tales were told
of monks falling in love with her. In the famous rainy evening
discussion of women's attributes at the beginning of the Tale of
Genji, To no Chujo says to his companions, "Set your heart on
Kichijo-ten herself, and you will find her so pious and stuffy, you
will still be sorry!"